Capital Preparatory Magnet School

My two daughters (grades 5 & 8) are in their second year. We chose Capital Prep over our suburban school and have been very happy. The girls love their school. We are thrilled with the high expectations (and don't mind the strict rules, including uniform adherence, which is made very clear to all parents and students). The gifted program is amazing, for kids who need to be challenged academically, having access to the Johns Hopkins CTY program has been wonderful. Most of the teachers and other faculty have been great and the kids have enjoyed their music and art classes and also their dance and ski clubs. No school is perfect, but we have been very satisfied with Capital Prep overall.

The intentions of this schools seem positive but its not. It is important to have a staff that understands curriculum. It does not seem to be the case in this school. The atmosphere is somewhat hostile, I do believe that every child should be entitled to an atmosphere that focuses on discipline and instruction. But "What happens when the staff seems uneasy and afraid?" It usually takes away from the joy of teaching, which is floating through the halls of this school. This school has a huge turnaround with staff and students alike. People want to praise individuals who talk a good game but some of tthem who gave this dude the golden crown need to really look at what's going on in this school. Weaver, Bulkeley and Hartford Public were known for dealing with at risk students. At this school, the only way a defiant student can stay at this school-he or she must be athletic. There is so much emphasis on the accomplishments of their track team. Sorry to say, Weaver High was undefeated in track and field for many years. As far as going to college, several students in the former high schools exceeded his college graduates.

My son started at Capital Prep in the year 2012/2013 in 3rd grade. I chose to have him enrolled here after he was successful in the lottery and after visiting the school for a drop in, for a PTO meeting, and for the scheduled open house. I felt that it would have structure, demanding excellence, and diversity of student body and faculty. It has delivered on all counts. The thing that I discovered that I did not know when I came in was the opportunities he has on a regular basis to safely work his independence (from his parents) and make key decisions. This is related to the variety of enrichment activities that are offered by teachers and parents. Although some have complained about the consequence of standing for 20 minutes to eat lunch for uniform infractions, I must say that my son did it and staunchly refused to go to school without full uniform from that point on; the right behavior resulted. What I also commend C-Prep on is how they reward extra curricula experiences at home, with family, in the community - I support the fact that learning occurs in and out of the classroom. In just a few weeks, he starts 4th grade and the best thing is that he feels like he fits.

I am the parent of former Capital Prep students. and I regret not having looked for reviews of the principal Steve Perry and this school. After several months of red flags from pervasive, poor communication to parents to poorly implemented programs and curricula to severely strict uniform policies to uncaring responses to discipline issues to just not having created a warm, nurturing environment for young kids, we were finally just biding our time until the end of the school year to escape and find new options for our children. Unfortunately we left sooner! With just 2 months of school left in the school year, we have withdrawn our daughters (ages 8 and 5) after having my 5 year old be harshly disciplined for having a missing belt on that day. Without my notice, was required to eat standing! Even more outrageous is that I have yet to get any response from the Board of Ed regarding my concern over this harsh discipline. Don't send your kids here. You will regret it and it's not worth the trauma to your kids. We need to stop allowing these fame-seeking, fake reformers to ruin our kids and schools! This principal is worse than the teachers and unions he complains about!